Curriculum Indian Culture and Heritage of NIOS in SS Coaching

Curriculum

223 Indian Culture and Heritage

1.0 Rationale

It is a fact that a nation is progressive and developed in true sense when people are proud of being its citizens. India is one of the ancient nations which has survived, preserved and propagated her culture inspite of a very hard struggle for existence. She has survived because of the eternal values that she has cherished and developed since the time immemorial. Her culture is a living one rooted in a living past and based on undying spiritual foundation, which inspite of its ups and downs, has kept the lamp of the spirit burning. She has established the principle of spiritual oneness under the great variety found in the world, the world of thought as well as physical world. The study of one’s cultural heritage leads one to the appreciation of beauty and wisdom in life. Thus the knowledge of the cultural heritage of our great land is essential for each and every citizen of the country. No education can claim to be successful until and unless it is founded on the country’s cultural background and is able to fulfill the aspirations of its people.

2.0 Objectives

The main objectives of this course are –

to develop among the learners a feeling of love and a sense of belongingness towards the nation.

to impart knowledge about the glorious culture and rich heritage of the country.

to acquaint the learners with the great contributions of our ancestors in the areas of philosophy, science, arts, music, architecture etc

to acquaint the learners with the underlying unity among different religions’ in India and unity in other diversities.

to acquaint the learners with the impact of Indian Culture in different countries of the world.

1.

Culture : Definition and Characteristics

10

2.

Indian Culture through the Ages

14

3.

Languages and Literature

10

4.

Indian Philosophical Thought

10

5.

Fine Arts

10

6.

Science and Technology

12

7.

Education

10

8.

Social Structure

12

9.

Spread of Indian Culture Abroad

12

Total

100

Description of Course

Module 1 : Culture : Definition and Characteristics

Approach

Marks : 10 Study Hours : 20

This module is designed to develop an understanding of the concept and meaning of culture. The salient features of Indian culture which make it distinct will also be discussed.

Unit 1 : Culture : Meaning and Components

Definition of Culture

Concept of Culture (Sanskriti) in India;

Characteristics of Culture – Culture is Universal, Dynamic Nature of Culture, Culture is Acquired and Learned, Culture includes both material and non-material components

Meaning of Civilization – Variation in Civilization, Culture and Civilization, Culture and Heritage

Unit 2 : Salient Features of Indian Culture

Indian Concept of Culture

Salient Features of Indian Culture – Spirituality, Universality, Unity in Diversity, Scientific Outlook, Theory of Karma, Love for Nature, Reverence for Women, Value Based Society

Towards Synthesis of Cultures

Module 2 : Indian Culture through the Ages

Approach

Marks : 14 Study Hours : 35

This module aims at developing an understanding of the historical development of Indian Culture. The evolution of Indian Culture through the Ages will be highlighted . This module will also help the learners to know about religious impact and the reformative movements.

Unit 3 : Indian Culture through the Ages : Ancient India – I

Lifeline of Indian Culture

Time Scale

Evolution of Human Body

Dynamism of Indian Culture

Historical Perspective : Roots of Indian Culture in Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization and Vedic Culture

Press and the growth of Modern Indian Languages and Literature – Since Independence, India Today

Conclusion

Module 3 : Languages and Literature

Marks : 10 Study Hours : 25

Approach

This module is intended to acquaint the learners with Indian languages and literature. Our Vedas are the oldest literature, which deal with all the dimensions of human life. The Upanishads present the philosophical knowledge contained in Vedas. Most of the ancient literature of India is in Sanskrit. A large number of languages is used in India now a days. All this will be discussed in this module.

In Ancient Indian society Art went hand in hand with religion. Our temples have been repositories of all arts. Thus Indian Art is spiritual in its outlook, idealistic in expression and sublime in interpretation. This module intends to make the learners aware of spiritual objectives behind ancient Indian Art. An attempt will also be made to acquaint the learners with folk art and crafts (Rural and Tribal) along with the impact of Mughal and Roman art.

Some Important Dramas and their Writers - Well Known Dancers, Important Musicians who have contributed in the field of music

Art forms and the Development of Human Personality

Unit 16 : Indian Architecture

Architecture – Origins

Indian Perspective

Evolution of Indian Architecture – Pre-Historic Indus Valley Period, Development in the Rig Vedic Period, Early Historic Period, Architecture in Mughal Era

Colonial Architecture and The Modern Period

Greatness of Indian Architecture

Limitations of Indian Architecture

Module 6 : Science & Technology

Approach

Marks : 12 Study Hours : 30

This module brings the contribution of ancient Indian scientists into limelight. This will highlight the contribution of Indians to the filed of Science and Technology which is no less significant than their contribution of spiritual wisdom. Through this module our learners will know our ancestors who made immense contribution in the field of science and technology. The reference of great scientists will be made at proper places.

The ancient system of education in India not only imparted education to earn livelihood but also to develop all round personality of the students. Ancient universities such as Takshila and Nalanda had attained phenomenal growth and fame in the world. This module is designed to introduce the learners with ancient educational system and present problems and developments in the field of education.

Education System under Buddhism – Teaching Methods, Type of Examination System

Education in Mughal Period – Salient features of Muslim Education

Education under the British Rule – Domination by Christian Missionaries, Objective of English Education, Setting of Education Departments, Higher Education

Sri Aurobindo’s National system of Education

School Education in the Post Independence India

Problems of Contemporary Education

Some Notable Developments in the Field of Education

Diversified Fields of Education

Module 8 : Social Structure

Approach

Marks : 12 Study Hours : 30

A study of culture of any society has to include all aspects of the social life. To know the Indian culture, it is important to know the social structure of contemporary society. This module intends to make the learners aware of social structure of India starting from individual and reaching to the entire world of beings.

Unit 25 : Indian Social Structure ‘Varna’ and ‘Jati’ Systems

Social Structure of Indian Society

Varna System – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra

Emergence of Caste (Jati) System

Unit 26 : Indian Value System ‘Purusharth’ and ‘Ashram’ System

Concept of ‘Purusharth’ – Dharm, Arth, Kaam, Moksh

Social Significance of Purusharth

Concept of Rin (Debts)

Social Institution of ‘Ashram’ – Brahmacharya, Grihasth, Vanprasth and Sanyas

Social significance of the Ashram system

Sanskars

Unit 27 : Concept of Family and Place of Woman in the Indian Society

Concept of Family – Characteristics of Family, Functions of Family

Family in Indian Perspective – Importance of Marriage,

Family System in India – Characteristics of Joint Family

Status and Role of Women in the Indian Society

Unit 28 : Some Contemporary Social Problems

Dowry Problem

Drug Abuse and Drug Dependence

Child Abuse – Problem of the Girl Child and Women

Problem of the Aged

Problem of Poverty and Unemployment

Overview

Module 9 : Spread of Indian Culture Abroad

Approach

Marks : 12Study Hours : 30

While others conquered the other countries through wars, Indians made their way in foreign lands through the heart of the people living there. Right from the beginning Indian culture attracted the students and aspirants of other countries who took with them the spirit of Indian culture to their lands. This module will explain to the learners how the Indian culture spread far beyond the geographical boundaries of India through trade, learning, indentured labour or religious ambassadors.

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